Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Montana 2025
The University of Montana
48 cybersecurity graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Montana Technological University
7 cybersecurity graduates annually, 82% graduation rate
Highlands College of Montana Tech
1 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Montana offers 3+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.The University of Montana leads with 100% graduation rate
- 3.Montana software developers earn median $89,870 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Bozeman, Missoula, Billings
- 5.Cost of living index: 105.1% of US average (above average)
Cybersecurity Education in Montana: Overview
Montana offers 3 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 56 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, with major employers including Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises.
With a median software developer salary of $89,870 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 105.1% compared to the US average, Montana offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top cybersecurity programs in the state are led by The University of Montana, Montana Technological University, Highlands College of Montana Tech, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Montana Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Montana | Missoula, MT | Public | $5,736 | 100% | 62.3 |
| 2 | Montana Technological University | Butte, MT | Public | $6,113 | 82% | 44.1 |
| 3 | Highlands College of Montana Tech | Butte, MT | Public | $2,811 | — | 38.3 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Montana: Side-by-Side
| School | University of Montana | Montana Technological | Highlands College of... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| In-State Tuition | $5,736 | $6,113 | $2,811 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | 82% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 48 | 7 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 96% | 90% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 62.3/100 | 44.1/100 | 38.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Montana
Montana offers 2 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are The University of Montana, Montana Technological University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,909 in the Montana market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Montana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Montana | $5,736 | 100% | 48 | 62.3 |
| #2 Montana Technological | $6,113 | 82% | 7 | 44.1 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Montana
Master's-level cybersecurity programs are limited in Montana. Consider online graduate programs or neighboring states for advanced study options.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best cybersecurity master's programs for more options beyond Montana.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Montana
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Montana are at Highlands College of Montana Tech ($2,811/year), The University of Montana ($5,736/year), Montana Technological University ($6,113/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Montana's competitive tech salaries.
At Highlands College of Montana Tech, a 4-year degree costs approximately $11,244 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,909, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Montana (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Highlands College of... | $2,811 | $11,244 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 University of Montana | $5,736 | $22,944 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 Montana Technological | $6,113 | $24,452 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Montana
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity programs in Montana, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,736 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 48 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 62.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 48 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (48 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Montana Technological University
Butte, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,113 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 82% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 7 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 44.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- 7 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 44.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (7 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Highlands College of Montana Tech
Butte, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $2,811 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 38.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 38.3 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Security Analyst opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1212Penetration Tester opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Incident Responder
SOC 15-1212Incident Responder opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Bozeman, Missoula, Billings
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($89,870 median)
- You want to work at companies like Oracle or Workiva
- You prefer Montana's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Montana's 3)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Cybersecurity in Montana FAQ
Based on 3 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Montana-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Montana salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.